Dear RJ,

In the coming weeks, we will join together to mark a number of days of reflection, pride, and celebration: from World Refugee Day to Indigenous People’s day, and Pride month to Juneteenth. Each of these days reminds us to reflect on the challenges that we have collectively overcome, and to work for a better future. Join us for four programs this month that highlight the ways the U.S. has historically led the world in welcoming those seeking safety, how we have struggled to live up to this title in recent years, and how we can improve our systems and structures to better embody this value in the years to come. These virtual events will include a webinar outlining the tangible steps you can take to welcome Ukrainian newcomers; a program about the U.S. refugee resettlement program; a virtual book club discussion; and a webinar with firsthand accounts from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Please join us.

Uniting for Ukraine: Sponsoring Ukrainian Newcomers
May 23, 2022 | Monday | 4:00pm ET

Join us to learn more about the different avenues for support for Ukrainians entering the U.S. that HIAS is designing, in partnership with other national Jewish and refugee agencies. We will share details about HIAS Welcome Circles for Ukrainians, the ways that Jewish Federations, JCRCs, and social service agencies are engaging with Ukrainians, and how individuals, synagogues, and other Jewish communal groups can play key roles.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.

Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
June 2, 2022 | Thursday | 4:00pm ET

Since the Refugee Act of 1980, the U.S. Refugee Resettlement program has been a lifeline to people in need from every corner of the world. In some years, more than half of the refugees resettled worldwide were welcomed to the U.S. through this program. Join us for a conversation with resettlement professionals and private sponsorship volunteers to hear what’s been changing on the front lines of the refugee response, and what you can do to help.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.

HIAS Book and Film Club
June 10, 2022 | Friday | 12:00pm ET

Join us for a facilitated session of the HIAS Book and Film Club to discuss the book Refugee High: Coming of Age in America by Elly Fishman. This book follows the 2017–18 school year at Sullivan High, a Chicago high school that has one of the highest proportions of refugees of any school in the nation. It chronicles students, teachers, and administrators navigating everyday challenges facing many urban schools and teenagers as well as the complicated circumstances and unique education needs of refugee and immigrant children.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP and for information on where to purchase the book.

Stories from the Border: June 2022
June 28, 2022 | Tuesday | 4:00pm ET

The Biden administration announced that in May they would finally put an end to Title 42, a policy denying access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. But now, as opposition to lifting the policy gains momentum, we must advocate even more for the rights of those seeking safety.

Join us for a conversation with front-line legal aid providers for a firsthand account of what is happening at the border today, what they expect to see in the coming weeks, and how you can help impact national policies.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.